PSG's Marco Verratti is full of praise for Leonardo

Leonardo was also influential in the signing of Ibrahimovic - Action Images

Zlatan Ibrahimovic , Thiago Silva, Thiago Motta and Marco Verratti were all recruited from Serie A by Leonardo, the former sporting director of PSG.

One of those signings has talked about just how much the Brazilian meant to him.

"Leonardo has played a very important role in my life. Without him, I would not be where I am. I am eternally grateful. I still speak to him on the phone but I regret that he is gone. That’s how football is. We are always disappointed when someone we appreciate goes. But I will never forget him, "said Verratti about Leonardo.

The Italian international also reflects on his arrival at PSG during the 2012 summer transfer window.

"I understand that some people were sceptical about my abilities. It was a very big step for me. The majority of people thought that the club had not made ​​a big acquisition. And when I arrived in Paris, I knew I was perhaps a risk. But I tried to seize every opportunity of playing time that the coach gave me to show what I was worth. And in my head, I was very quiet. I knew I had to stay calm and that one day I’d get my chance."